What is Service Learning?

Service: doing something to aid another
Learning: a process of acquiring new knowledge

"Service learning provides a means of doing and of making the entire community a learning environment." (John Briscoe)

  In the most basic terms service learning is experiential learning that includes service. It accomplishes this by addressing the following: (1) the learning is a direct result of the engaging in service; (2) the lives of all involved are improved or empowered and (3) assuring the service is both reciprocal and grounded in relationship building. It is a process of learning through the experience of rendering service in the school or community and actively reflecting upon the experience. Therefore; service learning is reflection upon experience. Service learning is grounded in experiential education which is learning by doing.

   Service learning differs from pure experiential learning in two essential ways: (1) the goal of service learning is to direct the learners into practical settings where the primary motivation is service, and (2) learning takes place in two ways as students take part in the experience and the reflection on what happened during the experience  as a result of it. It is also collaborative as it requires students to work together with their teachers in planning educational strategies for the students' own learning. The rationale for service learning is that students learn best (1) by doing, (2) by serving, and (3) by reflecting on the experience.

 (How to Establish a High School Service Learning Program, Witmer & Anderson)

      Service learning within a faith context provides an opportunity for students to consider a lifestyle of authentic service in order to embrace and live the mission of Jesus.

     Jesus intends for us to be fruitful (John 15:5-8) and it is appropriate for the fruit to be understood as the positive result of God working through us. The fruits of justice and service foster a deeper sense of compassion, empathy and understanding of others as the students identify and connect with the experience of the poor and the vulnerable. The deep connection enables students to grow in the appreciation of faith and an understanding and respect for the poor and their human dignity. It reinforces the mutuality of the benefits received by all involved and the appreciation of what we can learn from each other.

    The process of service learning is in total alignment with the mission statement of East Catholic High School which states, "We educate young men and women according to the Gospel and the life of Jesus Christ. We seek to develop the whole person and to prepare students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens with a strong moral foundation, an appreciation for diversity, and a dedication to service, justice and peace."  (ECHS website)

Service Update for Parents 

Agency Listings

Parent Permission Form

Student Commitment Form

Prayer for Embracing the Poor

To exercise this privilege:

• Contact Mrs. Janecko by e-mail janeckol@echs.com to receive and out fill the STRETCH commitment/permission form.